Issue link: https://www.cominghomemag.com/i/1048619
WHAT SORT OF THINGS DO YOU DO TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY? We have a dynamic Speaker's Bureau, of which I am a part, that offers horticulture programs on dozens of subjects. Our members generally offer hands-on demonstrations or PowerPoint programs that can be based on subjects such as container gardening, composting, weeds, rain gardens, insect and wildlife control, terrariums and fairy gardens, herb and flower gardening, gardening with children, and many others. Another community service project is our Collierville Victory Garden, located on the property of Collierville Christian Church. We plant vegetables, herbs and flowers in raised beds to provide fresh produce for local food banks and cut flowers for nursing homes. These gardens also educate groups who wish to tour or volunteer in the gardens. A few of us also open up our personal gardens every first Saturday in June for "Through Our Garden Gates" – a community outreach program where we conduct public tours and showcase innovative gardening practices. WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT AS A MASTER GARDENER? Looking back on ten years of Master Gardener volunteer service, I would say that I noticed a lack of dedicated children's programming, which I think is crucial in developing future gardeners. After my graduation, I lobbied for a space at our annual Spring Fling event for a "Kid's Corner" and it has been embraced by families each year as a great place for fun and educational activities for our local children. Children can plant seeds in containers to take home, touch worms in our worm bin, make paper garden hats with silk flowers (which parents and kids love), and take home educational booklets that we create. WHAT IS YOUR ESSENTIAL GARDENING TIP FOR BEGINNERS? To have a successful garden, whether in pots or in ground, you must have good soil and good drainage. Pick up a kit from your local Master Gardener office and mail your soil in for testing to see what it needs. Another important tip and a very simple one is to read the label on your plant. If your plant needs sun, don't plant in the shade! If your plant needs shade, don't plant in the sun! WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WISH EVERYONE KNEW ABOUT GARDENING? WHAT IS THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION ABOUT GARDENING? Many people believe that gardening is complicated, but in reality, gardening is easy, fun, and therapeutic. Studies have shown that gardening can free the mind from anxiety and stress, while at the same time, provide as much physical activity that you desire. For instance, folks can garden from a wheelchair positioned by raised beds. Children absolutely cannot get enough gardening once they discover they can get dirty and dig in the dirt! It has also been proven that children will eat vegetables they grow themselves. Additionally, gardening has been therapeutic for me personally. After my youngest grandson passed away last year, I was very depressed and almost gave up on everything that had mattered to me. I decided to dedicate a part of my garden in his honor, which gave me a way to remember him every day that I walked through the blue and white shrubs and plants. I installed a small stone engraved with his name and a stepping stone with his handprint. I now can sit and meditate and remember him, and can also devote physical time there planting and weeding to keep his memory alive. For me, gardening has been a true, worthwhile endeavor that benefits others and provides a healthy outlet for me physically and mentally. I strongly suggest that you leave your electronic devices in the house, get outside and try container or in-ground gardening. You will love the results! FOLKS CAN GARDEN FROM A WHEELCHAIR POSITIONED BY RAISED BEDS. CHILDREN ABSOLUTELY CANNOT GET ENOUGH GARDENING ONCE THEY DISCOVER THEY CAN GET DIRTY AND DIG IN THE DIRT! 19